A new opinion paper, adopted by members of the PES Network during the last PES Board Meeting in Stockholm on 8-9 June, 2023 aims to promote knowledge on successful approaches and point to challenges related to each of the European Year’s objectives. It also provides some recommendations on how PES and their partners can evolve and live up to the challenge, both in the short and longer run.   

Ensuring that skills align with labour market needs 

The PES Network argues that greater convergence between education and employment sectors and stepping up skills intelligence is needed to ensure a better response to labour market needs. Enhancing data exchanges and skills-based matching within a solid data protection framework is key in this context.  Shifting towards more agile skills-based profiling and adapting classification systems is necessary to best support the green and digital transitions. In this context, the European Classification of Skills, Competences, Qualifications and Occupations (ESCO) provides a reference framework for skills and occupation that can augment PES work with stakeholders to refine and validate classifications systems.  

Matching people's aspirations and skillsets with opportunities 

The key to matching job supply and demand is providing a realistic view of required skills and abilities, assessing skills gaps and supporting jobseekers. The paper proposes that career guidance services should be further developed and support individuals from school to retirement, helping with career planning, job transitions, and professional (re)development. It also calls for further developing micro-credentials which show promises to support skills-based approaches. Barriers for marginalised groups must also be addressed with a broad range of support.  

Promote effective and inclusive investment in training and upskilling 

The opinion paper encourages PES to work more closely with those at risk of becoming unemployed or in need of re-skilling. Meanwhile, more needs to be done in the wake of the green transition: the EU  must deal with demanding political choices , which needs to include funding to support decisions on occupational changes. The European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) and the Recovery and Resilience Facility provide incentives, but national funding must match to support these initiatives. PES must engage with at-risk workers, offer digital services, and form partnerships with employers for lifelong career management.   

Attract third-country nationals with skills needed in the EU 

Finally, the PES Network will work on a common standard for measuring labour shortages to support a more coherent approach across EU countries. Similarly, recognising qualifications and validating the skills of third country nationals are crucial to support their employment. Cooperation between migration and employment authorities, along with improved recognition of qualifications, language training, and integration programs, is essential. In this context, the PES network is ready to offer advise for   the design of future EU initiatives and in particular the EU Talent Pool, drawing on extensive experiences in the Network. 

For more information, download the Opinion paper: A contribution to the European Year of Skills 2023.